Sulekha Kolu Contest: Sujata's kolu with children of Lord Shiva as theme

Sujata Vijay started her research for her Kolu almost a month before the festival started; from researching on the net, to reading books, talking to elders, collecting information and dolls for the festival. 

While it is well known that the Lord Shiva had three children, actually he had around thirteen. ``Knowing new things is always fun and useful,’’ says Sujata as she shows us her jaw-droppingly awesome kolu decorations. 

Almost the entire room has been taken up by the Kolu decorations. ``It takes us 2 days to set up. We start on amavasyai. I am a working woman, so i invite family and friends on a specific day, and if they can’t make it ask them to schedule a time and come as i don’t want to miss their participation and fun in doing up the kolu’’. 

With a mix of dolls that have been passed on through generations and new dolls, Sujata did up her awesome decorations. 

Everyone participates in the grand function; husband and son set up their lego and electronic section, daughter takes care of welcoming committee while relatives help in entertaining guests. For her Kolu this year, the special prasadam is sundal and fresh juice!

If you want to know the names of the children of Shiva, here they are:

Sons of Shiva: Ganesha, Kartikeya or Murugan, Ayyappan (offspring of Shiva and Vishnu, through Mohini, the only female avatar of the God Vishnu) Andhaka, Jalandhar (born out of the union of the lightning from Shiva’s third eye and the Ocean) Veerabhadra (born of a lock of Shiva's hair, who destroys Daksha's yagya), Bhairava (also known as Kaalbhairava) Mangala (said to be born when 3 drops or perspiration from Lord Shiva's forehead fell on earth (Bhumi) Sudalai Madan and Chathan.

Shiva’s daughters: The story of Ashoka Sundari is found in Padma Purana. She is born when Shiva and Parvati encounter the wish-fulfilling tree and Parvati asks for a daughter, who will give her company when she is alone in Kailash. The wish is instantly granted. She is called Ashoka as she got rid of Parvati’s shok or sorrow and Sundari because she is beautiful. Jyoti, Lord Shiva represents the cosmic consciousness, the Divine Mother denotes the creative energy, Ganesha symbolizes the elements of earth and water, Skanda represents the element of fire, and Jyoti symbolizes the two elements of air and space.  Manasa -Legends have it that she was rejected by her father Shiva .Manasa - the Snake Goddess-------Manasa, due to her mixed parentage, is denied full godhead.